The European Commission proposed a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, building on a prior goal of at least 55% reduction by 2030. This approach aims to balance economic and environmental objectives, offering more flexibility for member states in achieving targets. Starting from 2036, carbon credits from non-EU countries could contribute to the reduction goal. The proposal is grounded in assessments by climate experts and reflects a commitment to a fair and ambitious green transition across Europe.
"As European citizens increasingly feel the impact of climate change, they expect Europe to act. Industry and investors look to us to set a predictable direction of travel," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Under the plan, member states would be granted more flexibility to achieve the climate targets. Currently, they have only been able to count domestic greenhouse gas reductions.
"We are not choosing between the economy and the green agenda, we are choosing both. Europe reaffirms its commitment to a fair, ambitious, and competitive green transition," said EU Commission Vice President Teresa Ribera.
The Commission said the proposal was based on a detailed assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change and the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
#climate-change #greenhouse-gas-emissions #european-commission #decarbonization #environmental-policy
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